Dr Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment has disclosed that the no governor can decide not to pay the new N30,000 minimum wage because it’s a national law and it has taken effect from April 18,2019 when it was signed into law bu President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Federal Government on March 14,2019 created a committee to do a thorough negotiation of the consequential adjustment in salaries that will arise from the minimum wage, the committee is expected to be headed by Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

While speaking with newsmen in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Friday, the minister revealed that when the new wage will be implemented it will be done in arrrears to show the date it was signed into law by President Buhari.

He stated that the state governors are bound by the law to pay the N30,000 minimum wage.

The minister stated that “It is a national law and no governor can say he will not pay. Issue of the national minimum wage is item 34 on the exclusive legislative list of the third schedule of the Nigerian constitution. Every state government is now owing workers if they have not started paying N30,000. We are now in a committee working out a new template with which we will adjust upward.”

The minister disclosed that workers in the private sectors all across the country are already enjoying the new minimum wage package.

Chris Ngige disclosed that “Employers in the private sector adjusted immediately; but in the government sector, the bureaucracy and bottleneck of government are responsible for the delay. You know that you must budget for it. However, whenever the encumbrances are removed, we will pay with effect from 18th April, 2019.”

It will be recalled that last month the Nasarawa State Governor-elect, Mr Abdullahi Sule, has vow to start the implementation and payment of the new N30,000 minimum wage immediately he is sworn in as the governor of the North Central state.

He disclosed that “Our patriotic and beloved President prioritises the welfare of Nigerian workers. “That he is always ready to ensure the right conditions are in place for them. “This step will not only go a long way in assisting workers in meeting certain needs, but will also strengthen the relationship between employers and employees and motivate improved productivity.”

“This is an opportunity to reassure workers in the state that, Nasarawa state will also enjoy the new national minimum wage signed into law by the President.

“Other welfare issues, pensions, gratuities and so on will be adequately attended to. “Workers should take advantage of this by redoubling their efforts toward achieving our collective goals and making Nigeria a better place for all.’’

The country’s higher legislative chamber, The Senate on March 19 issued an approval for the implementation of the and pleaded with the Federal Government to fast track action on its assent and eventual implementation.

 

SOURCE: PUNCH, DAILY TRUST

 

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